Hi, has anyone every caravanned in gale force winds, and how much can a caravan take wind wise (excuse the expression). I have heard that some people are going away over the next few days but there will apparently be winds of up to 80mph. I know this may not happen but has anyone else experienced this whilst in their caravan.
Loads of things you can do to make it less stressful such as:
No awning
Don't leave anything loose laying about outside
Pitch away from trees and buildings (tiles may come off buildings)
Pitch front of caravan towards prevailing wind
Use large jack pads to avoid conersteadies sinking in and thereby allowing caravan to rock.
Go to pub and then sleep through storm is best thing
------------- 'A sure cure for sea-sickness is to sit under a tree'
Once in the Western Isles. We had a pop top then and it was a case of lowering the roof during the worst of the wind and then lying awake and hoping the van wouldn't move.
The second time was in the Scottish Borders where we were fortunately sheltered by a high hedge and it took the brunt of the gusts.
Personally I think the gales are far worse when you are actually towing. Especially when you get them side on.
Its the single gust stronger than the rest that does the damage in a storm & you have to hope your caravan is not in the way of that single gust. Its like anything else, you just have to stay lucky.
Caravanning is about enjoyment though, would you enjoy it in a howling gale more that you would watching tv in your living room? If not, stay at home.
If you tow at 60mph with a 20mph headwind, your van is being subjected to a constant air speed of 80mph. So if it is stationary with wind hitting the nose of the van at 80mph it is basically the same difference. Advice regarding pitching with nose facing the wind is very wise. Far better than side on wind. In strong winds make sure all windows and doors are secure. Leave awnings at home to avoid damage to awning and/or caravan. If possible, use tow car as a wind break. We camped at a CL during Christmas last year in the high wind and rain and pitched van with nose into wind and it was not a problem. Worst thing was the noise of the wind but we were so busy and tired that by the night time it didn't keep us awake for long! Use common sense and have fun. Remember there is no shame in towing at lower speeds in windy conditions - better safe than sorry!!
------------- Why am i doing this instead of camping??!!
We experienced a severe gale in Spain, in winter. As we had had no forewarning we still had our awning up (as did most other people on the site.) OH was up all night hanging on to the awning to stop it blowing away - some folk did lose their awnings, but everyone (all nationalities) looked out for each other and cheered each other up, and we survived.
But then you can't live life to the full without risks, as I've just said on the Caravanning Abroad forum......!
------------- Il vaut mieux vivre ses reves que rever sa vie
We had some very strong winds howling through the Conwy valley last spring, at one point we thought that our lightweight Lunar was in danger of being blown over, despite being pitched in a walled garden with our car shielding the side. This was during daylight hours, and we were affraid to go out for the day as we were using our body weight as balast!
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
On the site where my van is sited, we have an amazing amount of wind, we have been subjected to very strong gusts, the van is rocking for all the wrong reasons!
Make sure it is well stabilised.
We have our awning up all summer and it is strapped down with everything you can think of from sandbags, internal straps, extra poles.
To be honest we don't mind at all and the caravan is fine.
we were at a cc site earlier this year ( trewethett), our pitch was right on the cliffs ,when the wind got up one night it really got up , thank fully we had been warned high winds were expected so had already taken the awning down and even though our old tin tent is quite heavy I still put in some land anchors and chained her down just as a precautionary measure.
the old girl still rocked and swayed a good bit in the wind though at least we had the telly to take our minds off it a bit thanks to the ehu bollards having tv aerial points
------------- no tin tent outings booked as yet ,just another cruise in Sept' booked so far
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Caravanning in gale force winds
